LessonsThe Definition of Simile, Related Metaphorical Forms, and Its Four ElementsQuiz

In istiʿārah muṣarraḥah (explicit metaphor), the word belonging to the comparison target (mushabbah bih) is stated, while the intended thing (mushabbah) is not directly named. Context shows that the borrowed word is not intended literally.

In “raʾaytu asadan yarmī”:
Mushabbah: a courageous person — not explicitly named.
Mushabbah bih: a lion — named by “asadan.”
Shared quality: courage — what licenses the transfer.

“Yarmī” (shooting) can help identify the intended human archer. The utterance figuratively names the courageous person rather than plainly equating two separately stated terms.

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What is expressed in an explicit metaphor

The Definition of Simile, Related Metaphorical Forms, and Its Four Elements

In istiʿārah muṣarraḥah (explicit metaphor), the word belonging to the comparison target (mushabbah bih) is stated, while the intended thing (mushabbah) is not directly named. Context shows that the borrowed word is not intended literally.

In “raʾaytu asadan yarmī”:
Mushabbah: a courageous person — not explicitly named.
Mushabbah bih: a lion — named by “asadan.”
Shared quality: courage — what licenses the transfer.

“Yarmī” (shooting) can help identify the intended human archer. The utterance figuratively names the courageous person rather than plainly equating two separately stated terms.